fare

good-bye
is not in your vocabulary,
Embracing Love,
but you speak
grace,
so may that gift
swell gently
in our hearts;

ta-ta
is a word you've never
spoken,
but you sing
thanksgiving
for friendships
which last beyond
painful departures;

ciao
is an attitude
you do not reflect,
but you
celebrate with us,
even as we let go
of hands that have
encouraged us
through the years;

farewell
is not forever,
but your faith
which brought us together
and binds us forever,
is the promise
we will see
even when our
remembrances
fade.

(c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman